Capoten (captopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, used medically for the treatment of high blood pressure. Although the exact underlying mechanisms behind the activity of Capoten (captopril) are not fully understood, effect appears to lower blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on blood circulation in patients with congestive heart failure mainly by suppressing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This drug is a particularly effective medication in fact, and Capoten is considered both as the first course of therapy or after other less powerful agents have failed to produce a desired response. Athletes are usually not using it to lower blood pressure however, at least not as the primarily purpose. In this arena Capoten is of interest for its potential anabolic, thermogenic and diuretic qualities. Before going any further it is important to state that it is not recommend for anyone to take Capoten unless they are already hypertensive from using anabolic steroids, as a potential dangerous drop in blood pressure may result.
Use of Capoten
Most athletes using Capoten are hoping it will help promote fat loss. This use was first brought to our attention in and article by the writer Dharkham in Dan Duchaine's Dirty Dieting newsletter. The suggested mechanism of action was a reduction of alpha-2 adrenoceptors, receptors that work against lipolysis in fat cells. If there were able to effectively lower alpha-2 levels in fat cells, it would certainly have quite a bit of potential in this regard. And indeed many who have used Capoten do attest to the fact that this product is a good cutting drug, often claiming they have a higher calorie threshold for fat loss/gain when taking the substance. Others however vehemently disagree with this use for Capoten, and say they found it sorely lacking as a fat-loss agent. I did notice one study of great interest, showing that with 2 weeks of chronic administration it caused no significant changes and alpha-2 or beta-2 adrenoceptors. A second however, using Capoten for 16 weeks, did note a reduction in alpha-2 receptors. If it simply takes longer to notice strong receptor downregulation, then Capoten would work with prolonged use. However this would also make it a definite delayed gratification drug, and no doubt less than popular with bodybuilders. More immediately however, Capoten does lower aldosterone levels and water retention. Even if not highly thermogenic, many will still no doubt find a use for the mild diuretic action.
Capoten (captopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, used medically for the treatment of high blood pressure. Although the exact underlying mechanisms behind the activity of Capoten (captopril) are not fully understood, effect appears to lower blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on blood circulation in patients with congestive heart failure mainly by suppressing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This drug is a particularly effective medication in fact, and Capoten is considered both as the first course of therapy or after other less powerful agents have failed to produce a desired response. Athletes are usually not using it to lower blood pressure however, at least not as the primarily purpose. In this arena Capoten is of interest for its potential anabolic, thermogenic and diuretic qualities. Before going any further it is important to state that it is not recommend for anyone to take Capoten unless they are already hypertensive from using anabolic steroids, as a potential dangerous drop in blood pressure may result.